I have found that there are a number of people who swear by the use of the more expensive gold cables because they say the sound you get is better. Is this true?
Wayne Parham Messages: 18716 Registered: January 2001
Illuminati (33rd Degree)
Gold doesn't oxidize as badly as other contacts, so it makes a better connection. That's the main thing that gold is good for in a cable - the mechanical connection is better. You don't really need the entire conductor through the whole cable path to be gold, just the contacts.
I've wondered that myself, Wayne Parham, so thanks for answering. I thought all cables were created equal. Is gold considered better than copper then? What do the cheaper brands use for their connectors?
I have never considered this before, when making a purchase but I think that this will be one serious consideration in case I need them anytime soon. Is the price range really that big?
Wayne Parham Messages: 18716 Registered: January 2001
Illuminati (33rd Degree)
Copper is a fine conductor, so it's great for the wire. But it oxidizes easily, and copper oxide is an insulator so it doesn't make a good connector.
That's why it is best to use gold or silver at the ends for connections. Gold doesn't oxidize easily and while silver does, silver oxide is a conductor so it isn't bad. Even tinning the ends of a copper wire with solder helps make a better connection.
Thank you again for the quick reply. I'm getting into DIY stuff at home and am keeping a folder of tips. It's also good to know for shopping purposes. Thanks a bunch!
I know that there are many types of wires that will oxidize. I wasn't sure that silver was as good as gold. Silver tarnishes. Would that prohibit a good connection?
Wayne Parham Messages: 18716 Registered: January 2001
Illuminati (33rd Degree)
I personally prefer gold for contacts but I will say that since silver oxide is a conductor, it is at least better than copper oxide which is an insulator.
Thanks for the explanation of the difference between why silver is better than copper in cable connectors. I didn't realize that silver oxide (tarnish) was capable of conducting. Thanks.
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